Why a public health-care option is good for small businesses

My brother is a case study in how our current health insurance system fails small businesses and families. He and his business partner own Old Town Bicycle, and employ 26 people in three locations in southern Puget Sound. Despite the very limited coverage offered by their policy, their premiums increase about 10 percent to 15 percent every year, usually with some combination of higher deductible and less coverage. The shop covers part of the cost, and employees contribute the rest. Shopping for different coverage is time-consuming and cumbersome - after all, they've got a business to run. As Americans we value choice, personal responsibility and efficiency. Our current health insurance system offers us none of these.